Liverpool drew 2-2 at home with Aston Villa in what was only the second time they dropped points at home this season. They came back from being to goals down inside 36 minutes to leveling the game in the second half thanks to a controversial penalty, but they failed to push on and secure the three points. Here are three things that we learned from the game.
1. Defensive frailties may cost Liverpool
Liverpool looked really unsettled at the back and were all over the place in the opening half. Aly Cissokho was caught up field multiple times, and with Kolo Toure rushing in to cover for the left back, it left gaping holes in the defense for Aston Villa to exploit. Gabby Agbonlahor with his pace tore open the Liverpool defense time and again, running behind the defenders, and set up the two goals for his side.
Brendan Rodgers’ decision to field an attack minded side, sans Luca Leiva, backfired spectacularly as Liverpool were overrun in midfield. Christian Benteke exploited the lack of aerial presence in the Liverpool defense to win crucial flick-ons for Agbonlahor to race on. Lucas came on in the second half, and Liverpool looked a much better side for it, but he went off due to a knee injury, which may cause Rodgers’ some sleepless nights ahead of the crucial Merseyside derby coming up next week.